Astral Owls

[Gofy]

Basic Outline...

 

The Astral Owls were Founded in the_____ Millenium. Their Primogenator Legion were the Raven Guard. They were created to counter a large Ork warband in the ______ Segmentum. The Orks were crushed with minimal Astartes losses, altough millions of Guardsmen were lost in the day assults, as the Astral Owls rested. Since this victory, they have fought well, under their Chapter Master H'Rath Irontalon. Using aerial assult tactics and striking at night, the Astral Owls are warriors of stealth, power, and excellent skill. The Chapter hails from the ice world of Tyto. Their insignia is an Imperial Eagle, clutching a Barn Owl's head. Their war cry is: For Tyto and Terra!, or the call of a Screetch Owl.

 

Random Ideas: Please comment/suggest new ideas :D

-Organized into companies, each named after an Owl

-Over Strength

-Flaw: Some Brothers become nocturnal (??)

-Soran will be the name of one Captain

-Known by the People of Tyto as "The Guardians from Terra" or simply "The Guardians"

-Large Tytoian Ice Guard as allies, are disliked by other Guard due to their nocturnal strike tendencies (which cost the Guard millions of troops who are holding the line during the day.)

-All Battle Brothers carry short swords, a reminder of their original role as the Ice Talons Guard form before the Imperium.

[Blackrat]

Love the name. Interesting theme choice and cool ideas generally. However I really hate the Guardians of Ga'Hoole references. I don't know, it makes them sound a bit too cartoonish to me I quess. The symbol might be really difficult to implement on actual minis, but that depends on your skill as painter. I certainly would never be able to paint that ;)

[Cromat]

This is too thin to really comment on, but I say give it a go. I'd like to see what you come up with.

[Gofy]

Love the name. Interesting theme choice and cool ideas generally. However I really hate the Guardians of Ga'Hoole references. I don't know, it makes them sound a bit too cartoonish to me I guess. The symbol might be really difficult to implement on actual minis, but that depends on your skill as painter. I certainly would never be able to paint that :)

 

I have decided to remove most all of the refernces to Ga'Hoole, although "Soran" will still be a captain. This was one of the first names that I came up with (Soren from Ga'Hoole uses an E insted of an A as the second to last letter). However, the people of Tyto will refer to them as simply "the Emperor's Owls" rather then "Guardians". Hopefully this sounds better.

[War Angel]

take "flaw - some marines become nocturnal (??)" and turn it into "Flaw, Most marines (or All marines) suffer from a (whatever implanted gland) deffencey which makes them find it very difficult to fight during the day. remaining nocturnal"

 

chapter flaw's can sometimes add character to a chapter, and i think this is one of thoes times. Go all in on it, some times the future needs to be grim.

 

 

i personaly would keep this IA about youre chapter, not about the IG that they are allied with. but you could always say that the chapter has the imperial guard hold the line during the day. i would stay lite on the heavy losses during the day part though. youre chapter is still inflicting heavy losses on the bad guys at night, and i think thats just as good.

 

as for being created to crush an ork warband, i belive that by the time the chapter is created the warband would be gone. chapter creation is a process. created to secure a sector from multipul ork uprissings? that starts sounding like a bigger problem that they would be required to handel.

[SonofTerra]

How about a malfunction/hyperstimulation of the occulobe. Instead of making them have just superior night-vision to humans, they actually extremely sensitive to light, being able to see in the darkness as well as a normal marine during the day. Of course, this would lead them to be non-functional during the day as even their super human anatomies cannot tolerate the day light.

 

Another wrinkle could be that it develops slowly, so newer recruits are used as scouts not to give them experience, but because they are the only ones who can operate during the day.

[Olis]

That's a pretty good idea, SonofTerra. :P

[Blackrat]

I have decided to remove most all of the refernces to Ga'Hoole, although "Soran" will still be a captain. This was one of the first names that I came up with (Soren from Ga'Hoole uses an E insted of an A as the second to last letter). However, the people of Tyto will refer to them as simply "the Emperor's Owls" rather then "Guardians". Hopefully this sounds better.

"The Guardians" is probably the least disturbing reference for me ;) After giving it a thought, I think it's the name of the planet that actually kills my suspension of disbelief. Just a suggestion; how about Nyx or Nox? Name of a goddess of night from greek and roman pantheons.

 

Also, agree on SonofTerra's suggestion for flaw in the Occulobe.

[ChaptermasterDemon7]

I like what you have so far, but I must agree about the Guardians of Ga'hoole references, especially the planet name. But, SonofTerra's idea is sound and very good. I would go with that. Also,for a planet name, you could use Apollymi, which is the Atlantean Goddess of Destruction.

[Gofy]

IA: Astral Owls (1st draft WIP)

 

Origins and the Nighteye Flaw:The Astral Owls originated during the _ founding (need help here!). They are Raven Guard successors. They were created for the purpose of protecting the _ system from a series of Ork invasions which were occuring at that time. When first deployed, the Chapter was at full strength, and fought well. After several victories the Chapter tragically suffered major losses on the planet of Syrthnox II. During a battle with an Ork Waagh, the IV Company reported that some squads were being "blinded" by the sunlight. over the next few days, casualties mounted, and other Companies made similar reports to those of IV. Soon after, it was discovered that the Astral Owls had a gene-seed flaw. The occulobes of the Astral Owls suffered from a genetic mutation, causing the Owls to be extrmely sensitive to light. The Chapter was greatly concerned. The Orks would surely destroy the Astral Owls without a method to combat the flaw. It was Chapter Master H'Rath Irontalon who suggested the Chapter engage at night to reduce losses. Thus the Astral Owls Chapter became nocturnal.

 

The owls are stronger now. Since their adaption of night tactics, the Chapter has seen far fewer losses. Striking from the planet of Nyxus Prime, the Astral Owls are feared by many Orks for their savagery after sunset. Noble and Pure, they fight for the Imperium without question.

[Arkangilos]

How about a malfunction/hyperstimulation of the occulobe. Instead of making them have just superior night-vision to humans, they actually extremely sensitive to light, being able to see in the darkness as well as a normal marine during the day. Of course, this would lead them to be non-functional during the day as even their super human anatomies cannot tolerate the day light.

 

Another wrinkle could be that it develops slowly, so newer recruits are used as scouts not to give them experience, but because they are the only ones who can operate during the day.

 

But with this idea, wouldn't helmets help some? They would have REALLY dark lenses.

[darth_giles]

I like the owl theme; I don't think I've ever seen a Space Marine chapter with one. I've seen a lot of eagle, lion, and tiger themes.

 

But with this idea, wouldn't helmets help some? They would have REALLY dark lenses.

That's what I went with for the Doom Skulls; when they can't operate at night, they have thick dark lenses in their helmets.

[War Angel]

i wouldnt make it seem like it was such a difficult idea to come up with fighting at night... makes the chapter seem not smart.

 

just pick a year and name a system. theres orks everywhere.

[SonofTerra]

Really dark lenses may work, however, you can still get around it with a little bit of thought. For example, some "what if's" that even permanent dark lenses possibly wouldn't help with, or would be a detriment:

 

-The lens is destroyed (without killing the marine)

-The helmet is severely damaged and needs to come off

-Its a sergeant or equivalent and he never wears a helmet because he is too cool

-Marines enter an area with no light such as caves, buildings etc.

-Nightfall etc.

 

Now, if they had ones that could go from normal to very dark it would help but that could be thought of as a stretch in an Imperium which is not known for changing their technology much or developing new tech.

[Arkangilos]

Really dark lenses may work, however, you can still get around it with a little bit of thought. For example, some "what if's" that even permanent dark lenses possibly wouldn't help with, or would be a detriment:

 

-The lens is destroyed (without killing the marine)

-The helmet is severely damaged and needs to come off

-Its a sergeant or equivalent and he never wears a helmet because he is too cool

-Marines enter an area with no light such as caves, buildings etc.

-Nightfall etc.

 

Now, if they had ones that could go from normal to very dark it would help but that could be thought of as a stretch in an Imperium which is not known for changing their technology much or developing new tech.

 

I like this idea.

[War Angel]

i think its standard for the lense's to be polorized. maybe you could ommit the blinding (or they could put on their helmets to reduce the blinding) and add in a wearyness during the day? like the sun's energy causes exhaustion. (to normal humans, proper dosses of sunlight on the skin actualy makes you feel awake and can correct you carcadian rythem)

 

or the lightwaves that are blinding youre marines are not lightwaves that normaly reduce vision, and are not blocked by the polorization of youre lenses.

[Arkangilos]

i think its standard for the lense's to be polorized. maybe you could ommit the blinding (or they could put on their helmets to reduce the blinding) and add in a wearyness during the day? like the sun's energy causes exhaustion. (to normal humans, proper dosses of sunlight on the skin actualy makes you feel awake and can correct you carcadian rythem)

 

or the lightwaves that are blinding youre marines are not lightwaves that normaly reduce vision, and are not blocked by the polorization of youre lenses.

 

Well even if they were polarized, if they get damaged it can still hinder them. So they prefer fighting at night. And the polarization to the level to make it comfortable for their eyes makes it pretty dark and hard to see out of.

[War Angel]

true, but i dont think they would be fighting at night only for the fear of their lenes being damaged. using that logic, if they get shot that will hinder them aswell, so they shouldnt fight any enemies with guns.

[Gofy]

IA: Astral Owls (2nd draft WIP)

 

I am an Astral Owl . From this night on, I dedicate my life to the protection of the Imperium and Nyxus. I shall not swerve in my duty. I shall support my brother Astartes in times of battle as well as in times of peace. I am a servent of the Emperor, beloved by all. I am the eyes in the night, the silence within the wind. I am the talons through the fire, the shield that guards the innocent. I shall seek to wear no crown, nor win any glory. And all these things I do swear upon my honor as an Astartes of the Astral Owl Chapter until my days on this world of Nyxus cease to be. This is my vow. This is my life. Upon my Honour and by this weapon I do swear.

 

-Oath of the Astral Owls

 

Origins and the Nighteye Flaw:The Astral Owls originated during the 26th founding. They are Raven Guard successors. They were created for the purpose of protecting the _ system from a series of Ork invasions which were occuring at that time. When first deployed, the Chapter was at full strength, and fought well. After several victories the Chapter tragically suffered major losses on the planet of Syrthnox II. During a battle with an Ork Waagh, the IV Company reported that some squads were being "blinded" by the sunlight. over the next few days, casualties mounted, and other Companies made similar reports to those of IV. Soon after, it was discovered that the Astral Owls had a gene-seed flaw. The occulobes of the Astral Owls suffered from a genetic mutation, causing the Owls to be extrmely sensitive to light. The Chapter was greatly concerned. The Orks would surely destroy the Astral Owls without a method to combat the flaw. Night tactics were quickly adopted however, and the Astral Owls repelled the Orks, driving them far and wide, and eventually destroying them.

The owls are stronger now. Since their adaption of night tactics, the Chapter has seen far fewer losses. Striking from the planet of Nyxus Prime, the Astral Owls are feared by many Orks for their savagery after sunset. Noble and Pure, they fight for the Imperium without question.

 

Homeworld: Nyxus is an Ice World in the Segmentum Obscurus. It is mostly barren and cold, with the exeption of some small forests. High mountains are prolific in the northern half of the world. Here in these peaks lies Fortress Stormbeak, the Fortress-Monestary of the Astral Owls.

[Blackrat]

26th founding (need help here!)

26th founding is good. That makes them really young chapter. Mere few hundred years. Which means that the founding members could well be around still.

 

They were created for the purpose of protecting the _ system

Suggest that you make it a sector or subsector. I don't think one system's security merits an entire chapter. As for name, do you want one with some deeper meaning / reference, or just a random name?

[Gofy]

Nyxus. Our home. A world of ice, peaks, and death.

- Brother Sergeant Ralcor of the Astral Owls

 

Homeworld: Nyxus is an Ice World in the Segmentum Obscurus. It is mostly barren, with the exeption of some small forests. These evergreen forests provide a location for training excercises for the Owls. the people of Nyxus live in tunnels dug under the snow, providing shelter form the high winds as well as from the predators (bears, wild-cats) that prowl the ice. High icy mountains are prolific in the northern half of the world. Here in these peaks lies Fortress Stormbeak, the Fortress-Monestary of the Astral Owls.

 

"We strike by night. We ambush our foes. We swoop away."

-The Astral Owls

 

Combat Doctrine (probably not-so-good):

 

The Astral Owls are an assult oriented Chapter. So far, two distinct offencive strategems are used, stealth raids and all-out assults.In defencive scenarios, the Chapter tends to perform as a Codex chapter, although their squads are not really as defined as other chapters.

 

Stealth:

As with their Progenitor chapter the Raven Guard, the Astral Owls are masters of stealth. Also, the Chapter uses the Raven Guard tactics of hitting weakened targets. To find these targets, Scouts (who are not as affected by the Nighteye Flaw and can still function fairly normally during the day) as well as the Daystrike squad are used to pinpoint targets to be assulted. Then the Chapter strikes. Like owls silently swooping upon mice, the Chapter prefers not to make itself known until absolutely necessary. Then they attack, using their bolters only when needed, so as to avoid drawing attention to themselves. Some reports suggest that the Chapter uses silenced boltguns, but these claims have never been proven. for stealth assults, the Chapter does not use any heavy support vehicles, (although Rhinos are still used) as their use is contrary to the Owls' idea of stealth.

 

 

 

All-out assult :

If stealth assults at the enemy are not possible (which sometimes occurs when attacking better fortified positions), then the Owls will launch all-out aerial assults , keeping their heavy weapons ready to clear the way. bolters are used in these assults, as stealth is not needed. Vehicles such as Land Raiders and Predators are used in all-out assults for support ise.. In both stealth and all out attack strategems, the use of jump packs to swoop down on targets is very common.

 

Organizationb]:

The Chapter is divided into ten companies, plus the "Daystrike" squad. However, instead of having distinct Assult, and Tactical squads, the Astral Owls train all Astartes mainly for assult, as this is vital for their attack strategems. Some Astartes are then additionally trained to be more profficient at bolter use than others, being the "tactical" marines. Devastators are kept seperate from this, although their assult training is shortened. The Scout company performs the same duties as in Codex Chapters.

 

Daystrike squad:

The Astral Owls maintain one additional group of Astartes, the"Daystrike", who are usually only the size of a squad. These Marines are the lucky ones, who are not affected by the nighteye flaw. Used in a role similar to scouts, these Marines locate targets during the day, then report back to the commanders. As vital as these marines are, the chances of an un mutated occulobe are extremely rare, so the Daystrike squad tries to avoid major engagements, leaving these to the IG and the other Nyxian Chapters (will be covered in future IAs.) If the Daystrike gets to be larger than one squad, then they may be used in different roles, however this has only occured once, and even this was roughly 1/8 of a company in size. After a disasterous deploymen, the Daystrike were returned to the squad size.

[Gofy]

Beliefs:

The Astral Owls' beliefs system is very similar to that of the Raven Guard.

[Gofy]

What??! no replies!

[Andrew J]

I love the flaw idea with the occulobe allowing them to only attack at night. I really like your seperate combat doctrines and think they work pretty well.

 

You need to expand the beliefs section a lot. I dont even know what the RG beliefs are. Think about how they view the Emp. and other imperial organizations. Also maybe try to see if they have taken on any beliefs from their homeworld? That usually can help. What are some interesting traits of a general marine? Examples would be the Iron Hands hate of weakness, IF stubborness, Salamanders humanitarian tendencies. Another thing that would be good is how do they view the rest of humanity? Something to be watched over and protected or a nuisance that gets in the way of their real jobs of killing xenos? That type of thing would help a lot to add some depth to your chapter.

 

Hope that helps.

[Gofy]

Thanks. This last post was a filler for until I got more ideas.